The Work of Preaching

I came across this quote from the great preacher John Chrysostom. He knew what it was like to labor in preaching: "My work is like that of a man who is trying to clean a piece of ground into which a muddy stream is constantly flowing."

Even the great Golden Mouth became discouraged when people didn't listen. He didn't give up, however, and neither should you. You seldom know immediately what people are getting in a sermon. The fruit may not be seen for a long time. Keep preaching!